Eloji – Village God and Folk Deity in Western Rajasthan

Eloji is mainly popular and worshiped in western Rajasthan. In every village you can find statues of Eloji. It is portrayed as a strong man with moustaches, sitting comfortably with a pride on his face.

Eloji is also famous as Gram-Devta (the God of village).

Why he is worshiped

In rural India especially in western Rajasthan the importance of sex in happy married life, procreation and fun is embodied in worship of local deity – Eloji. The male worships Eloji for sexual powers while the female worships him to get a male child.

Holi Festival

On the occasion of Â festival of colors, Holi, people in western Rajasthan sing many songs on chung (a folk music instrument like drum) in praise of sexual powers of Eloji. These folk songs are called PHAGS. During the festival all women surely visit Eloji’s temple.

In many villages when a couple get married, they pay theirÂ homageÂ to Eloji. The bride hugs Elojiâ€™s statue first, because it is considered that Eloji has first right on every woman.